RAIDERS ADD KINU ROCHFORD TO COMPLETE RECRUITMENT PUZZLE

RAIDERS ADD KINU ROCHFORD TO COMPLETE RECRUITMENT PUZZLE

The Plymouth Raiders are pleased to announce the arrival of 26 year old, Brooklyn native, Kinu Rochford.

BBL fans will remember Kinu from his time at Cheshire Phoenix in the 2015/16 season, where he averaged nearly 20 points and 10 rebounds a game. His achievements were rewarded by being named Player of the Month in January 2016.

Raiders’ fans however, would be forgiven for wanting to forget Rochford’s last trip to the Plymouth Pavilions, where he helped the Phoenix inflict defeat on the home side with a massive double double of 26 points and 14 rebounds.

Standing at 6’6, Rochford is a versatile forward who turned professional in 2013 after completing his final year at NCAA Division One school, Fairleigh Dickinson University, with impressive stats of nearly 15ppg and 9 rebounds.

Rochford’s strength and defensive aggressiveness give him the ability to defend any position the opposition throws at him, whereas offensively he’s a proven post player who can score over much bigger opponents.

Coach Love said, “We’re delighted to have Kinu join us in Plymouth, and his arrival completes our recruitment jigsaw for this season.”

“He’s proven at BBL level as well as in Europe, and he will add a tough, aggressive post presence that we’ve perhaps lacked in our preparations so far.”

Rochford said, “I’m so excited to play for Plymouth. There’s so much history here, and a great family feel with the guys welcoming me with open arms. I’m just so happy to be here and looking forward to meeting the fans, and Foxy. Go Plymouth Raiders!”

Making way for Rochford to join, the club also announces the departure of Greg Mays. Despite Greg’s strong statistical performance against Leeds, Rochford’s availability and suitability for the style of basketball the club intends to play, resulted in this difficult decision being made.

Raiders Director, Richard Mollard said, “After careful consideration, Coach Love felt the change was necessary to meet particular demands of the coming season, and it was important for him to assess the situation after the first couple of league games.”

“These decisions are difficult and not taken lightly, but are made in the best interests of the Club and in full consideration of the needs of the season ahead.”

“We wish Greg, who has been a total professional throughout, all the very best as he continues to peruse his basketball career.”